Are you looking for stronger, shinier & healthier hair?  According to the Dr. Oz show, taking just 5mg per day of Biotin can help you achieve this. Also, studies show if you’re pregnant, biotin may be as important for you as folic acid according to recent studies on birth defects.

The benefits of Biotin include:

Promotes hair, nails, and skin health
Helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels
Shown to support normal fat metabolism and protein synthesis

Diabetics may benefit from biotin supplementation. In both insulin-dependent and non-insulin-dependent diabetics deficient in biotin, supplementation with biotin can improve blood sugar control and help lower fasting blood glucose levels, in one study the reduction in fasting glucose approached 50 percent. Biotin can also play a role in preventing the neuropathy often associated with diabetes, reducing both the numbness and tingling associated with poor glucose control.

Jill Purvis - Everythingantiaging.com

There are foods that can boost your mood. Avoiding processed foods can do more than just improve your well-being!  Here is a short list.

Garlic – promotes healthy arteries, relax blood vessels and lowers your blood pressure. Alliums are a top source of a key trace mineral for happiness known as chromium.

Watermelon – contains the powerful antioxidant lycopene which kills cancer cells and protects skin and helps maintain mood by preventing the formation of pro-inflammatory compounds. Studies show you can boost the levels of lycopene by up to 40 percent (and beta-carotene by 150 percent) by letting it sit outside the refrigerator at room temperature for several days.

Cherry Tomatoes – contains lycopene which helps maintain mood by preventing the formation of pro-inflammatory compounds. Tomatoes are high in other mood enhancers like folate and magnesium, both used to treat depression. Tomatoes also contain iron, tryptophan, and vitamin B6, the main ingredients needed by your brain to produce important mood-regulating neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine.

Chili Peppers – by eating spicy foods, we release the same endorphins as when we exercise. Just like runners report a post-workout high, chili pepper-eaters talk about a soothing, euphoric response to eating extremely spicy food.
 
Wild Salmon – When studies compare the mood disorders in different countries, populations that eat the most fish have the lowest rates of depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, and seasonal affective disorder (the winter blues).  A 2008 study found fish oil to have equal efficacy to Prozac in the treatment of depression.

These foods can keep you and your body both happy and healthy!

Jill Purvis – Everythingantiaging.com

Neti Pots, otherwise known as a nose wash or nose bidet, is a container designed to rinse your nasal cavity.  Some people who suffer from colds, sinus problems or allergies believe that regular use of a neti pot is more effective for nasal allergy and sinus symptoms than are over-the-counter medications.

To use the neti pot, tilt your head over the sink, place the spout of the pot in the upper nostril and gently pour in the water. As you pour, the water will flow through your nasal cavity and out the lower nostril. Repeat on the other side. A saline solution can either be made or bought. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends using bottled water that has been distilled or sterilized. Tap water is acceptable if it’s been passed through a filter with a 1-micron pore size or if it’s been boiled for several minutes and then left to cool. Typically, to use the Neti pot or other nasal irrigation device you would mix about 16 ounces (1 pint) of lukewarm water with 1 teaspoon of salt.

Be sure to rinse the irrigation device after each use with similarly distilled, sterile, previously boiled and cooled, or filtered water and leave open to air dry. It’s important to wash after every use.

Research has found that the Neti pot is generally safe. About 10% of regular users experience mild side effects, such as nasal irritation and stinging. Nosebleeds can also occur, but they are rare. Reducing the amount of salt in the solution, adjusting the frequency of Neti pot use, and changing the temperature of the water appear to reduce side effects.
 
Jill Purvis - Everythingantiaging.com

I recently listed the symptoms of sleep apnea.  I felt the need to revisit the topic to list things that you can do to be proactive about treating and/or preventing sleep apnea.

So what is sleep apnea? Sleep apnea is a disorder that affects the way you breathe when you’re sleeping. When left untreated, sleep apnea affects a person’s breathing causing it to be briefly interrupted or to become very shallow during sleep. These breathing pauses typically last between 10 to 20 seconds and can occur hundreds of times a night. Untreated sleep apnea prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep. You’re jolted out of your natural sleep rhythm when breathing is paused. A person will spend more time in light sleep and less time in the deep, restorative sleep that they need to be energetic, mentally sharp, and productive the next day.

Even though a diagnosis of sleep apnea can be scary, it is a very treatable condition.  There are many things you can do on your own to help, particularly for mild to moderate sleep apnea. Lifestyle modifications and home remedies can go a long way in reducing sleep apnea symptoms.

Lifestyle Modifications that can help sleep apnea:

Lose weight
Quit smoking
Avoid sedatives, sleeping pills and alcohol – they can relax the muscles in the throat which can interfere with breathing.
Avoid caffeine 2 hours prior to your bedtime
Avoid heavy meals 2 hours prior to your bedtime
Maintain a regular sleep schedule – Sleep apnea episodes decrease when you get plenty of sleep
Sleep on your side
Prop your head up by 4 to 6 inches while sleeping
Keep your nasal passages open when you sleep – use nasal strips, a neti pot or saline spray

Sleep Apnea can result in daytime sleepiness, slow reflexes, poor concentration, and an increased risk of accidents. Sleep apnea can also lead to serious health problems over time, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease, stroke, and weight gain. But with treatment, you can control the symptoms, get your sleep back on track, and be refreshed and alert every day.

Jill Purvis – Everythingantiaging.com

Stir Fry
2 (8 oz) chicken breasts, pounded thin and sliced in thin strips
1 cup (or 1 small can) red kidney beans, drained
2 cups broccoli florets, blanched
2 cups sweet potatoes, match-stick cut
1 cup red bell peppers, thinly sliced
2 tbsp grapeseed oil
2 tbsp sesame oil

Sweet and Spicy Sauce
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp fresh garlic, chopped
2 tbsp fresh ginger, chopped
2 tbsp sesame oil
2 tbsp sriracha
2 tbsp rice wine vinegar
1 tbsp agave honey

Directions
In large non-stick pan on high heat, add oil and begin to sauté chicken strips until golden brown for 4-6 minutes (do not crowd pan or layer chicken). Remove chicken and place on plate.

Add bell peppers, sweet potatoes, broccoli and kidney beans, and quickly sauté for 3-4 mins.

Whisk all sauce ingredients together and add sauce and chicken back to pan (with juices). Toss until coated.

Pour over prepared brown rice and enjoy!

Jill Purvis - Everythingantiaging.com

When you’re in the mood for love, it’s a sure bet that the last thing on your mind is boosting your immune system or maintaining a healthy weight. Yet great sex offers those health benefits and more.

The benefits of healthy loving in a relationship:

Relieve Stress
Boost Immune System
Burns Calories – 85 calories per 30 minutes of activity
Boosts Self-Esteem
Improves Heart Health
Reduces Pain
Improves Intimacy
Lowers risk of Prostate Cancer
Strengthens Women’s Pelvic Floor Muscles
Promotes Better Sleep

The health benefits of sex extend well beyond the bedroom. It turns out sex is good for you in ways you may never have imagined. So go ahead – get it on!

Jill Purvis - Everythingantiaging.com

Dr. Oz recently reported that taking 150mg of DIM daily can reduce the size of a person’s backside. He also stated that DIM may contains cancer protective properties.  Diindolylmethane, or DIM, is a phytochemical produced during the digestion of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage and cauliflower. Besides eating these vegetables, you can obtain DIM through supplements. DIM is produced from a chemical compound in the vegetables known as indole-3-carbinol or I3C.

DIM

 
DIM is considered a possible powerful modulator of the immune response system. DIM shows potential as a therapy for viral infections, including the human papilloma virus (HPV), the human immunodeficiency virus, known as HIV, hepatitis and influenza. It also may be helpful against bacterial infections, antibiotic-resistant bacteria and acne.

No known side effects are associated with the use of DIM supplements, but it may interfere with the breakdown of some drugs in the liver. This could lead to increased or decreased absorption of certain drugs, as well as increased side effects. Check with your doctor or pharmacist about possible drug interactions with DIM if you take any prescription medication.

Jill Purvis  -  Everythingantiaging.com

The benefits of wearing compression socks are widely known among people suffering from leg or foot issues such as people who are affected with arthritis or diabetes. Compression socks can benefit everyone, including active individuals. Circulation problems can arise as we get older, as one’s legs become weak, the veins and pathways inside the legs may stop working properly. One serious side effect of this is that the legs can begin circulating the same blood over and over, leading to painful health conditions that can lead to more serious health conditions.

Compression socks are specifically designed to aid in the circulation of the blood within the legs. Using compression therapy, circulation is boosted which brings much-needed nutrients and oxygenated blood into the legs and feet. Many people report their legs feel invigorated and free of the pain and weakness they have been experiencing. Compression therapy can reduce the amount of damage suffered to the legs and regenerate damaged tissues. Women suffering from conditions such as varicose veins, arthritis, leg ulcers and lymphedema can all benefit from compression therapy.

If you sit or stand for long periods of time at work or home, this can cause painful swelling or numbness in your feet and ankles that can make wearing shoes particularly uncomfortable, further worsening the pain and side effects. Wearing compression socks regularly is an excellent way to be proactive for your health. Even when your feet are at rest for extended periods, these socks provide a welcome circulation boost and help eliminate pain, swelling and fatigue. The compression effect works to massage the muscles of the legs in a gentle manner, keeping your legs energized all day. Wearing these socks doesn’t have to be horrible. There are many high quality compression socks that are made to look great while still providing excellent medical benefits.

Jill Purvis - Everythingantiaging.com

With a little pre-planning and a solid nutritition plan, you should wake up nourished and ready for race day!  Several things to keep in mind the day before:

Carb up!  Be sure to eat plenty good, complex carbohydrates (65-70% of calories should be carbs).  Be sure not to stuff yourself the night before – too much “loading” can lead to too much “unloading”  during the race.  Also, don’t eat anything new that you haven’t tried before!

Stay Hydrated! Drink plenty of water the day before. Urine that is a light yellow is a good indication of proper hydration. Avoid drinking alcohol (alcohol actually dehydrates you).

Feel free to go for a short run the day before. It may help to keep your body loose and/or help with pre-race anxiety.  A slow paced 20-minute run should be plenty.
 
Trim those toe nails.  I have lost plenty of toe nails over the years.  Keep your toe nails neat and short so that they don’t hit the front of your shoes.

Have your running clothes and gear ready and organized  the night before.

A quick check list for most runners includes:

Race bib (number) and safety pins
Race timing chip (if it’s not part of your race bib)
Running outfit, hat, shoes and socks
Wristwatch or Garmin
Your race fuels, such as energy gels (whatever you’ve been training with-nothing NEW)
A product to prevent chafing, such as petroleum jelly or Body Glide if needed
Sunscreen

Plan breakfast ahead of time.  Oatmeal  and bananas are always a good option.  Have your food the night before because you can’t always assume certain foods will be available to you the morning of the race.

Try to get a great night’s sleep.  Don’t stress out if you have a sleepless night. The excitement of the race will give you plenty of energy.

Set your alarm to get you up early.  You will want plenty of time to relax, eat breakfast, do your  morning bathroom duties, and get focused on the race.  If you are staying at a hotel, request a wake-up call just in case!

You can have a great race if you just do a little pre-planning! Runners – On your mark, Ready, RUN!!!!!

Jill Purvis – Everythingantiaging.com

On a recent Dr. Oz, Dr. Oz himself reported that by taking GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) can help a person start to see results when combined with a serving of beans (pinto, northern, kidney etc.) every day for a week. Specifically the weight that is carried in the mid-section.  GLA is one of the two main types of essential fatty acids and is considered a  “good” fat that is necessary for your health.  GLA is an omega-6 fatty acid.

The body uses these “good” fatty acids to make different prostaglandins and leukotrienes. Taking GLA may provide pain relief making it helpful for diseases that involve inflammation. Some European doctors prescribe GLA to their patients to treat cyclic mastalgia and eczema.

Normally, your body has the capability to create all the GLA it needs from linoleic acid, an omega-6 essential fatty acid found in many foods. In certain circumstances, the body may not be able to convert linoleic acid to GLA efficiently; these include age, diabetes, high alcohol intake, eczema, cyclic mastitis, viral infections, excessive saturated fat intake, elevated cholesterol levels, and deficiencies of vitamin B 6 , zinc, magnesium, biotin, or calcium. Taking GLA supplements may make up for a genuine deficiency in a percentage of individuals.

Jill Purvis – Everythingantiaging.com